:Ubuntu Touch

The Ubuntu Touch project was started in 2011. Mark Shuttleworth announced on {{dts|format=dmy|2011|10|31}} that by Ubuntu 14.04, the goal was that Ubuntu would support smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and other smart screens (such as car head units and smartwatches),{{Cite web |last=Shuttleworth |first=Mark |date=31 October 2011 |title=Blog Archive "Ubuntu on phones, tablets, TV's and smart screens everywhere" |url=http://www.markshuttleworth.com/archives/820 |access-date=8 April 2013 |archive-date=31 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531204608/https://www.markshuttleworth.com/archives/820 |url-status=live }} but to date has only been supported by vendors on a few smartphones, one tablet and a number of third-party devices which hobbyists have ported the operating system to. The initial goal set by Shuttleworth for Ubuntu was to reach full convergence (same platform and libraries on all devices).{{Cite web |title=Running apps from the SDK - Ubuntu developer portal |url=https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/apps/sdk/tutorials/running-apps-from-the-sdk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612102548/http://developer.ubuntu.com/en/apps/sdk/tutorials/running-apps-from-the-sdk/ |archive-date=12 June 2015 |access-date=9 June 2015 |website=ubuntu.com |df=dmy-all}} The Ubuntu platform for phones was unveiled on {{dts|format=dmy|2013|01|2}}.{{Cite web |last=Sneddon |first=Joey-Elijah |date=2 January 2013 |title=Ubuntu Phone OS Unveiled by Canonical - OMG! Ubuntu! |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/01/ubuntu-phone-os-unveiled-by-canonical |access-date=23 December 2014 |website=OMG! Ubuntu! |archive-date=31 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231052217/https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/01/ubuntu-phone-os-unveiled-by-canonical |url-status=live }} The Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview was released on {{dts|format=dmy|2013|02|21}}.{{Cite web |last=Sneddon |first=Joey-Elijah |date=21 February 2013 |title=Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview Released, Available for Nexus Devices - OMG! Ubuntu! |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/02/ubuntu-touch-developer-preview-released-available-for-nexus-devices |access-date=23 December 2014 |website=OMG! Ubuntu! |archive-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518183411/https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/02/ubuntu-touch-developer-preview-released-available-for-nexus-devices |url-status=live }} On 22 July 2013 Ubuntu announced a crowdfunding campaign for the Ubuntu Edge smartphone that would run Ubuntu Touch,{{cite news|last=Souppouris|first=Aaron|title=Can the internet raise $32 million to build the Ubuntu Edge smartphone?|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/22/4545256/canonical-ubuntu-edge-crowdfunding-launch-pictures|access-date=22 July 2013|newspaper=The Verge|date=22 July 2013|archive-date=25 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725040435/http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/22/4545256/canonical-ubuntu-edge-crowdfunding-launch-pictures|url-status=live}} but it did not reach its funding target.{{cite web |title=Ubuntu Edge Smartphone Raises Millions, Falls Short| last=Levine| first=Barry| publisher=CIO Today | date=22 August 2013 |url=http://www.cio-today.com/story.xhtml?story_title=Ubuntu_Edge_Smartphone_Raises_Millions__Falls_Short&story_id=10200A158ZW0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020144457/http://www.cio-today.com/story.xhtml?story_title=Ubuntu_Edge_Smartphone_Raises_Millions__Falls_Short&story_id=10200A158ZW0 |archive-date=20 October 2013}}

File:Fairphone 2-lockscreen (cropped).png, showing the lockscreen]]

Canonical released Ubuntu Touch 1.0, the first developer/partner version on 17 October 2013, along with Ubuntu 13.10 that "primarily supports the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 phones, though there are images available for other phones and tablets",{{Cite web |date=15 November 2013 |title=SaucySalamander/ReleaseNotes - Ubuntu Wiki |url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SaucySalamander/ReleaseNotes#Ubuntu_for_Phones |access-date=25 February 2014 |publisher=Wiki.ubuntu.com |archive-date=15 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315200144/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SaucySalamander/ReleaseNotes#Ubuntu_for_Phones |url-status=live }} and released a "relatively 'stable' build for wider testing and feedback" on 17 April 2014,{{Cite web |title=TrustyTahr/ReleaseNotes - Ubuntu Wiki |url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/TrustyTahr/ReleaseNotes?action=recall&rev=121#Ubuntu_Touch |access-date=18 April 2014 |publisher=Wiki.ubuntu.com |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505115318/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/TrustyTahr/ReleaseNotes?action=recall&rev=121#Ubuntu_Touch |url-status=live }} along with Ubuntu 14.04. A preview version of the software is available for installation on certain additional Android handsets including the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition as a Developer Preview as of 21 February 2013. Developers have access to all of the source code under a license allowing modification and redistribution of the software.

Ubuntu Touch was released to manufacturers on 16 September 2014.{{Cite web |title=Landing team 16.09.14 : Mailing list archive : ubuntu-phone team in Launchpad |url=https://lists.launchpad.net/ubuntu-phone/msg09864.html |access-date=23 December 2014 |archive-date=13 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013084904/https://lists.launchpad.net/ubuntu-phone/msg09864.html |url-status=live }} BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition, the world's first Ubuntu-based smartphone went on sale in Europe on 9 February 2015.{{Cite web |title=Ubuntu Based First Smartphone, Aquaris E4.5 Announced |url=http://www.gadget-nations.net/2015/02/ubuntu-based-first-smartphone-e45-Announced.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209170456/http://www.gadget-nations.net/2015/02/ubuntu-based-first-smartphone-e45-Announced.html |archive-date=9 February 2015 |access-date=9 February 2015 |publisher=Gadget Nations}}

In April 2016, the world's first Ubuntu-based tablet, the BQ Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition, was released.{{Cite web |date=15 April 2016 |title=Hands-On with Bq M10 Ubuntu Edition Tablet [Video] |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/m10-ubuntu-tablet-user-reviews-video |access-date=15 April 2016 |website=OMG! Ubuntu! |archive-date=3 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603173221/http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/m10-ubuntu-tablet-user-reviews-video |url-status=live }}

In August 2016, OTA-3 was announced to support Android 6.0 BSP.{{Cite web |date=5 August 2016 |title=Ubuntu Touch OTA-13 Delayed for September 7, to Bring Android 6.0 BSP Support |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/ubuntu-touch-ota-13-delayed-for-september-7-to-bring-android-6-0-bsp-support-507029.shtml |access-date=27 September 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928121756/https://news.softpedia.com/news/ubuntu-touch-ota-13-delayed-for-september-7-to-bring-android-6-0-bsp-support-507029.shtml |url-status=live }}

In August 2018, UBPorts released its OTA-4, upgrading the Ubuntu Touch's base from the Canonical's starting Ubuntu 15.04 "Vivid Vervet" to the nearest, current long-term support version Ubuntu 16.04 LTS "Xenial Xerus".{{Cite web |date=26 August 2018 |title=Ubuntu Touch OTA-4 Release |url=https://ubports.com/blog/ubports-blog-1/post/ubuntu-touch-ota-4-release-166 |access-date=27 September 2018 |archive-date=8 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608143621/https://ubports.com/blog/ubports-blog-1/post/ubuntu-touch-ota-4-release-166 |url-status=dead }}

Ubuntu for Android was a variant of Ubuntu designed to run on Android phones.{{Cite web |date=2013-05-23 |title=Ubuntu for Android {{!}} Ubuntu for phones {{!}} Ubuntu |url=http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/ubuntu-for-android |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523185929/http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/ubuntu-for-android |archive-date=2013-05-23 |access-date=2020-04-14}} It was expected to come pre-loaded on several phones.{{Cite web |last=Noyes |first=Katherine |date=21 February 2012 |title=Ubuntu for Android Will Bring the Desktop to Your Phone | PCWorld Business Center |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/250356/ubuntu_for_android_will_bring_the_desktop_to_your_phone.html |access-date=23 February 2012 |publisher=Pcworld.com |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809172036/https://www.pcworld.com/article/250356/ubuntu_for_android_will_bring_the_desktop_to_your_phone.html |url-status=live }} An Ubuntu for Android mock-up was shown at Mobile World Congress 2012.{{Cite web |date=21 February 2012 |title=Blog Archive » Ubuntu in your pocket |url=http://www.markshuttleworth.com/archives/1011 |access-date=23 February 2012 |publisher=Mark Shuttleworth |archive-date=11 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811211920/https://markshuttleworth.com/archives/1011 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Ubuntu for Android at Mobile World Congress |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/ubuntu-android-mobile-world-congress |access-date=28 February 2012 |publisher=Android Central|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228234225/http://www.androidcentral.com/ubuntu-android-mobile-world-congress|archive-date=28 February 2012}} As of April 2014, this project is no longer under active development by Canonical.{{Cite news |last=Grush |first=Andrew |date=29 April 2014 |title=Remember Ubuntu for Android? It's not dead, but it's in limbo |work=Android Authority |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/ubuntu-for-android-limbo-374454/ |access-date=26 May 2014 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801083624/https://www.androidauthority.com/ubuntu-for-android-limbo-374454/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Ubuntu for Android is no longer under active development: Canonical |url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/ubuntu-for-android-is-no-longer-under-active-development-canonical-516996 |access-date=26 May 2014 |website=NDTV Gadgets |date=May 2014 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418123623/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/ubuntu-for-android-is-no-longer-under-active-development-canonical-516996 |url-status=live }}

It would contain different graphical interfaces: when the device is connected to a desktop monitor, it features a standard Ubuntu Desktop interface (Unity). When the device is connected to a TV, the interface featured is the Ubuntu TV experience. It would have the ability to run standard Ubuntu Desktop applications{{Cite web |date=14 February 2012 |title=Features and specs |url=http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android/features-and-specs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223032327/http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android/features-and-specs |archive-date=23 February 2012 |access-date=23 February 2012 |publisher=Ubuntu |df=dmy-all}} and also the ability to run Android applications on the Ubuntu Desktop.{{Cite web |last=Sneddon |first=Joey-Elijah |date=14 December 2009 |title=Meet Ubuntu for Android: The Next Step in Ubuntu's Multi-Device Plan |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/02/ubuntu-for-android-announced/ |access-date=23 February 2012 |publisher=Omgubuntu.co.uk |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504053251/https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/02/ubuntu-for-android-announced |url-status=live }} which includes apps to make and receive calls and SMS messages directly from the desktop.{{Cite web |last=Keene |first=Jamie |date=11 October 2011 |title=Ubuntu for Android hands-on: a full Linux operating system when you dock your smartphone |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/21/2812424/ubuntu-for-android-hands-on |access-date=23 February 2012 |publisher=The Verge |archive-date=22 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222220225/http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/21/2812424/ubuntu-for-android-hands-on |url-status=live }} Developers will be able to create one app, with two interfaces: a smartphone UI, and, when docked, a desktop UI.{{Cite web |last=Sneddon |first=Joey-Elijah |date=2 January 2013 |title=Ubuntu Phone OS Unveiled by Canonical |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/01/ubuntu-phone-os-unveiled-by-canonical |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=OMG! Ubuntu! |archive-date=31 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231052217/https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/01/ubuntu-phone-os-unveiled-by-canonical |url-status=live }}

A phone running Ubuntu for Android has to meet several requirements such as a dual-core 1 GHz CPU, video acceleration through a shared kernel driver with associated X driver; OpenGL, ES/EGL, 2 GB storage, HDMI for video-out with secondary frame buffer device, USB host mode and 512 MB RAM.

File:Ubuntumobile.jpg

Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device Edition is a discontinued Ubuntu distribution planned to run on the Intel Mobile Internet Device platform, x86 mobile computers based on the Intel Atom processor. It was planned to use the GNOME framework Hildon as the basis for its GUI. In June 2008, Ubuntu Mobile 8.04 was released.{{Cite web |url=http://blog.canonical.com/?p=13 |title=Canonical Blog » Blog Archive » Ubuntu MID Edition 8.04 achieves its first public release |access-date=21 April 2020 |archive-date=23 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323145102/http://blog.canonical.com/?p=13 |url-status=live }}[https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=ubuntu_mid_804 [Phoronix] Ubuntu Mobile 8.04] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809185108/https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=ubuntu_mid_804 |date=9 August 2020 }} Ubuntu Mobile ended active development in 2009 after 9.10 Alpha 6.{{Cite web |url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MobileTeam/Mobile?action=show&redirect=MobileAndEmbedded |title=Ubuntu Mobile Team Wiki |access-date=21 April 2020 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912111104/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MobileTeam/Mobile?action=show&redirect=MobileAndEmbedded |url-status=live }}

Equipment producers would have been able to customize their distributions, including options such as Flash, Java, or custom interfaces.[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/mobile Ubuntu Mobile Edition] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228181417/http://www.ubuntu.com/products/mobile |date=2008-02-28 }}

According to Canonical, Ubuntu Mobile would provide an "uncompromised Web 2.0 experience". It was to include features such as Web browsing, email, media, camera, VoIP, instant messaging, GPS, blogging, digital TV, games, contacts, and calendars, with regular software updates.

Ubuntu Touch uses the Qt 5-based{{Cite web |title=For developers - Ubuntu for phones - Ubuntu |url=http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/phone/app-ecosystem |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324131120/http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/phone/app-ecosystem |archive-date=24 March 2013 |access-date=9 June 2015 |website=ubuntu.com |df=dmy-all}} touch user interface and various software frameworks originally developed for Maemo and MeeGo such as oFono as telephony stack,{{Cite web |last=Thoma |first=Jörg |date=7 March 2013 |title=Canonical: Ubuntu Touch noch nicht ohne Android |url=http://www.golem.de/news/canonical-ubuntu-touch-noch-nicht-ohne-android-1303-98044-2.html |access-date=26 March 2013 |publisher=Golem.de |page=2 |language=de |archive-date=7 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407152317/http://www.golem.de/news/canonical-ubuntu-touch-noch-nicht-ohne-android-1303-98044-2.html |url-status=live }} accounts-sso for single sign-on,{{Cite web |date=6 October 2012 |title=GNOME Online Accounts: why it is the way it is |url=https://debarshiray.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/goa-why-it-is-the-way-it-is/ |access-date=23 March 2013 |publisher=Debarshiray.wordpress.com |archive-date=27 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327103850/https://debarshiray.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/goa-why-it-is-the-way-it-is/ |url-status=live }}[https://launchpad.net/ubuntu-system-settings-online-accounts Online Accounts setup for Ubuntu Touch in Launchpad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003223702/https://launchpad.net/ubuntu-system-settings-online-accounts |date=3 October 2013 }}. Launchpad.net. Retrieved on 27 September 2013. and Maliit for input.{{Cite web |title=Maliit Keyboard Improvements | Murray's Blog |date=4 March 2013 |url=http://www.murrayc.com/permalink/2013/03/04/maliit-keyboard-improvements/ |access-date=4 March 2013 |publisher=Murrayc.com |archive-date=23 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523111736/http://www.murrayc.com/permalink/2013/03/04/maliit-keyboard-improvements/ |url-status=live }} Using libhybris{{Cite web |last=Munk |first=Carsten |date=11 April 2013 |title=Wayland utilizing Android GPU drivers on glibc based systems, Part 1 |url=http://mer-project.blogspot.com/2013/04/wayland-utilizing-android-gpu-drivers.html |access-date=3 July 2013 |publisher=Mer Project |archive-date=19 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419050731/http://mer-project.blogspot.com/2013/04/wayland-utilizing-android-gpu-drivers.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=5 February 2013 |title=libhybris in Launchpad |url=https://launchpad.net/libhybris |access-date=3 July 2013 |publisher=Launchpad.net |archive-date=3 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003223708/https://launchpad.net/libhybris |url-status=live }} the system can often be used with Linux kernels used in Android, which makes it easily ported to most recent Android smartphones.{{Cite web |title=Touch/FAQ - Ubuntu Wiki |url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/FAQ#How_is_Ubuntu_Touch_connected_to_Android.3F |access-date=8 April 2013 |publisher=Wiki.ubuntu.com |archive-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619054928/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/FAQ#How_is_Ubuntu_Touch_connected_to_Android.3F |url-status=live }}

Libertine is Ubuntu's project to run traditional desktop X applications.{{Cite web |title=Libertine |url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/Libertine |quote=Libertine is a confined sandbox where you can install deb-packaged X11-based Ubuntu applications have them run under Unity 8. |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-date=27 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827175053/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/Libertine |url-status=live }}

File:Ubuntu_Touch_on_OnePlus_One_(e9OJl_Axr_A).webm

When Ubuntu Touch is turned on no lock screen immediately appears, as applications will prompt the user to unlock if necessary when they are opened. The centre of the "Welcome Screen" is a visualisation of activity on the device. It shows the user's status and recent events on the welcome screen, completed with a design around the circle which reflects activity on the phone over the preceding month.{{Cite web |title=Features |url=http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/phone/design |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325055059/http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/phone/design |archive-date=25 March 2013 |access-date=9 June 2015 |website=ubuntu.com |df=dmy-all}}

File:Fairphone 2 with Ubuntu Touch (cropped).png smartphone running Ubuntu Touch displaying the Apps scope]]

Ubuntu Touch includes core applications such as a calculator, an e-mail client, an alarm clock, a file manager, and even a terminal among others. Twelve or more core applications are currently being developed.{{Cite web |last=Ribeiro |first=Goncalo |date=7 February 2013 |title=First Ubuntu Phone OS Powered Devices Will Hit Shelves This October |url=http://www.redmondpie.com/first-ubuntu-phone-os-powered-devices-will-hit-shelves-this-october/ |access-date=11 February 2013 |publisher=Redmond Pie |archive-date=9 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209210224/http://www.redmondpie.com/first-ubuntu-phone-os-powered-devices-will-hit-shelves-this-october/ |url-status=live }} Several Ubuntu Touch applications work on the desktop as well, including Morph Browser, Calendar, Clocks, Gallery, Notes, Reminders, Terminal, and Weather.{{Cite news |last=Sneddon |first=Joey |title=Ubuntu Touch Apps Available in Ubuntu 13.10 |work=OMG Ubuntu |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/06/ubuntu-touch-apps-arrive-on-ubuntu-desktop |access-date=30 April 2014 |archive-date=14 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414032848/http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/06/ubuntu-touch-apps-arrive-on-ubuntu-desktop |url-status=live }}

Side stage was introduced in 2013{{Cite web |title=Ubuntu for tablets - Full video |website=YouTube |date=19 February 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h384z7Ph0gU |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=24 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324044046/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h384z7Ph0gU |url-status=live }} and allows users to run both "tablet apps" and "phone apps" side by side, resizing each on the top as and when you need to see more of them."[http://www.canonical.com/content/ubuntu-unveils-tablet-experience-multi-tasking Ubuntu unveils tablet experience with multi-tasking] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424025700/http://www.canonical.com/content/ubuntu-unveils-tablet-experience-multi-tasking |date=24 April 2013 }}" (press release). 19 February 2013. Accessed 27 February 2013.Jon Brodkin. "[https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/02/shuttleworth-ubuntu-tablets-wont-be-as-jarring-to-users-as-windows-8/2/ Shuttleworth: Ubuntu tablets won't be as "jarring" to users as Windows 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412143457/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/02/shuttleworth-ubuntu-tablets-wont-be-as-jarring-to-users-as-windows-8/2/ |date=12 April 2017 }}". Ars Technica, 19 February 2013. Accessed 27 February 2013. It aims to "go even further" with the idea of multitasking, allowing screen space to be divided in this manner. Examples shown in the announcement video included a notes app being used alongside a web browser, and a user swiping from the right edge to bring a mobile version of the Facebook app into view over a playing video.

Users can access the whole system by swiping from the edges of the screen. A short swipe from the left edge allows for instant access to applications pinned to the launcher, while swiping all the way across reveals the home scope, which can be set by the user. This menu is available from the home screen and any running app.{{Cite web |title=UI model {{!}} Ubuntu Design |url=http://design.ubuntu.com/apps/get-started/ui-model |access-date=10 April 2013 |publisher=Ubuntu Design |archive-date=26 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326192714/http://design.ubuntu.com/apps/get-started/ui-model |url-status=live }}

Ubuntu Touch's multitasking is accessed by swiping the finger from the right edge of the screen to the left, which switches to the previous application (short swipe) or shows all open apps (long swipe). Swiping up from the bottom is used to show or hide tools specific to the app being used, which gives Ubuntu Phone the ability to run applications with a large, uncluttered canvas by default.{{Cite web |title=Content views {{!}} Ubuntu Design |url=http://design.ubuntu.com/apps/global-patterns/content-views#full-screen-view |access-date=10 April 2013 |publisher=Ubuntu Design |archive-date=17 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317094300/http://design.ubuntu.com/apps/global-patterns/content-views#full-screen-view |url-status=live }}

Mark Shuttleworth, the founder of the company Canonical Ltd., believed that Ubuntu for phones will first find a niche in countries where Ubuntu is well known; more specifically, developing markets such as India and China where computers have Ubuntu pre-installed. However, the success of Ubuntu Phone in these markets is difficult to predict.{{Cite web |last=Simonite |first=Tom |title=Ubuntu Smartphone Aims for Success in Developing Economies |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/01/08/180614/ubuntu-smartphone-aims-for-success-in-developing-economies/ |access-date=9 August 2021 |publisher=MIT Technology Review |archive-date=9 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809070537/https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/01/08/180614/ubuntu-smartphone-aims-for-success-in-developing-economies/ |url-status=live }}

Despite Ubuntu's popularity among open source developers, penetrating the legacy-bound business market will continue to be somewhat challenging for Ubuntu. Companies employing the "bring your own device" (BYOD) method have already adapted to using Android and iOS devices and the benefits posed by Ubuntu may not be adequately considered.{{Cite web |last=Hickins |first=Michael |date=7 February 2013 |title=Ubuntu Smartphone Shipping in October |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/02/06/ubuntu-smartphone-shipping-in-october/ |access-date=11 February 2013 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |archive-date=11 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211065557/http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/02/06/ubuntu-smartphone-shipping-in-october/? |url-status=live }}

Ubuntu Touch requires that a system's CPU support certain hardware features.

Ubuntu Touch can be installed on a number of phones that originally appeared with Android.[https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/Devices ubuntu.com: Devices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227153112/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/Devices |date=27 February 2013 }} , retrieved January 28, 2018 It is necessary for these devices to offer an open source tree, so that the drivers can be recompiled for the new OS.[https://docs.ubuntu.com/phone/en/devices/porting-new-device ubuntu.com: Porting to a new device] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726052218/https://docs.ubuntu.com/phone/en/devices/porting-new-device |date=26 July 2018 }}, retrieved January 28, 2018

Ubuntu Touch uses Halium in order to communicate with the hardware using Android drivers.{{cite web|url=https://liliputing.com/ubuntu-touch-ota-1-focal-brings-ubuntu-20-04-lts-to-smartphones/|title=Ubuntu Touch OTA-1 Focal brings Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to smartphones|date=27 March 2023|access-date=26 August 2023|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826231144/https://liliputing.com/ubuntu-touch-ota-1-focal-brings-ubuntu-20-04-lts-to-smartphones/|url-status=live}}

In 2023, UBPorts argues that "Halium has 95% contributions from us only"{{Cite web |title=VCD22-UBports.pdf - P7 |url=https://volla.online/en/resources/documents/VCD22-UBports.pdf}}

Adrian Covert, writing for CNN on {{dts|format=dmy|2013|1|2}}, predicted that the operating system will not gain wide use, stating, "carving out a niche in the seemingly unshakable mobile space—ruled by the Android-and-Apple duopoly—still requires a critical mass of users and a lively ecosystem of app developers. Realistically speaking, the chances of this even upstaging Windows Phone or BlackBerry 10 are slim. At best, Ubuntu seems like a sandbox for the most enthusiastic early adopters and a cheap enterprise solution for companies on a tight budget."{{Cite news |last=Covert |first=Adrian |date=2 January 2013 |title=The Ubuntu smartphone (which no one will use) is a glimpse of the future |work=CNN |url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/01/02/technology/mobile/ubuntu-smartphone-linux/ |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=6 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106033654/http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/02/technology/mobile/ubuntu-smartphone-linux |url-status=live }}

Joey Sneddon of OMG! Ubuntu disagreed with Covert's assessment, writing, "commentators like Covert are missing the point. See, Ubuntu Phones aren't really going to claw much market share away from Apple or Google. And this neat 'dock your phone and use it as a desktop' feature, whilst innovative, won't be the main lure for many [...]. During his keynote address earlier this week, Mark Shuttleworth continually referred to 'emerging' markets as the battleground on which an Ubuntu Phone would fight it out for impact [...]. It's this sector, the low-end, that the battle for the hearts, minds and hands of the less tech-savvy will take place."{{Cite news |last=Sneddon |first=Joey |date=4 January 2013 |title=CNN Predict Ubuntu Phone 'Won't Make Inroads' |work=OMG! Ubuntu! |url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/01/cnn-predict-ubuntu-phone-wont-make-inroads |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617093548/https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/01/cnn-predict-ubuntu-phone-wont-make-inroads |url-status=live }}

Rich Trenholm writing for CNET on {{dts|format=dmy|2013|2|27}}, "[...] But on first impression I'm hugely taken with Ubuntu Touch. It's elegant, thoughtful, and versatile, while remaining beautifully straightforward. [...] it's by far the strongest potential rival to Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. In fact, I prefer it to iOS, which long ago lost its shine, and heck, maybe even to Android, too. Fingers crossed that manufacturers and phone carriers get behind it, because I'd happily lay down my own cash for an Ubuntu Touch phone."{{Cite news |date=27 February 2013 |title=Ubuntu Touch - Operating systems - CNET Reviews |work=CNET |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/operating-systems/ubuntu-touch/4505-3671_7-35624752.html |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301043059/http://reviews.cnet.com/operating-systems/ubuntu-touch/4505-3671_7-35624752.html |url-status=live }}

Jason Jenkins, writing for CNET on {{dts|format=dmy|2013|2|27}}, MWC Awards 2013, "[...] Lots was said about the impressive number of carriers and manufacturers Firefox OS has lined up behind it. But once put to a vote, Ubuntu Touch was the clear winner, with Firefox OS the runner-up. The team thought that Ubuntu Touch, the tablet version of which we got our hands-on for the first time at MWC, feels more like the complete package at this point. [...]"{{Cite news |date=28 February 2013 |title=Ubuntu Touch beats Firefox OS to win best of MWC from CNET Mobile World Congress - CNET Reviews |work=CNET |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-57571750-78/ubuntu-touch-beats-firefox-os-to-win-best-of-mwc-from-cnet/ |access-date=31 March 2013 |archive-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301154006/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-57571750-78/ubuntu-touch-beats-firefox-os-to-win-best-of-mwc-from-cnet/ |url-status=live }}

Jesse Smith from DistroWatch Weekly reviewed the Ubuntu Phone in Meizu Pro 5 lauding the price, interface, responsiveness and frequency of updates, calling it a "pleasant phone and communications experience" and distinguished it as a user-oriented device as opposed to Android's application-oriented nature and noted that it would be more likely to appeal to those interested in technology—Linux fans in particular—but was too new to appeal to the public at large. This was due, in part, to the limited selection of phone apps, partially due to the small size of the market, but stated that LibreOffice and GIMP were available. It took him a while to understand what differentiated scopes from applications. He also noted that the platform was free of advertisements.{{Cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Jesse |date=1 August 2016 |title=Ubuntu Phone - The Meizu Pro 5 |url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20160801#ubuntuphone |magazine=DistroWatch |issue=672 |access-date=28 June 2018 |archive-date=27 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627144719/https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20160801#ubuntuphone |url-status=live }}

The first smartphone with Ubuntu Touch preinstalled was the BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition in February 2015{{Cite news|last=Sinha|first=Robin|date=9 February 2015|title=Canonical Launches First Ubuntu Phone With Spain's BQ|work=gadgets.ndtv.com|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/canonical-launches-first-ubuntu-phone-with-spains-bq-658711|access-date=20 April 2015|archive-date=28 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528062903/http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/canonical-launches-first-ubuntu-phone-with-spains-bq-658711|url-status=live}} and it was sold only in the European Union. Three months after, in May 2015, the Meizu MX4 Ubuntu Edition went on sale in China, becoming the second Ubuntu phone.{{Cite web|last=Turner|first=Debbie|date=26 February 2015|title=Meizu MX4 variant will be second Ubuntu phone|url=http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2015/02/26/meizu-mx4-variant-will-be-second-ubuntu-phone/|access-date=29 April 2015|archive-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625152913/http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2015/02/26/meizu-mx4-variant-will-be-second-ubuntu-phone/|url-status=live}} On 9 June 2015, launched another device running Ubuntu Touch, the Aquaris E5 Ubuntu Edition.{{Cite web|last=Sneddon|first=Joey-Elijah|date=9 June 2015|title=Brand New Ubuntu Phone Goes on Sale Priced at €199|url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/06/new-5-inch-ubuntu-phone-goes-on-sale|access-date=9 June 2015|website=OMG! Ubuntu!|archive-date=14 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814013845/http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/06/new-5-inch-ubuntu-phone-goes-on-sale|url-status=live}} The first tablet released was the Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition; it was announced on 5 February 2016 and made publicly available two months later.{{Cite web|last=Andrei|first=Alin|title=Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition Tablet Available To Pre-Order on Monday|url=http://www.webupd8.org/2016/03/aquaris-m10-ubuntu-edition-tablet.html|access-date=27 March 2016|website=Web Upd8|date=22 March 2016|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325010952/http://www.webupd8.org/2016/03/aquaris-m10-ubuntu-edition-tablet.html|url-status=live}} In April 2016, the same month as the Aquaris M10, the Meizu PRO 5 Ubuntu Edition was released.{{Cite web|date=26 April 2016|title=Meizu pro 5 Ubuntu edition buy|url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/meizu-pro-5-ubuntu-edition-buy|access-date=26 April 2016|website=OMG! Ubuntu!|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427003933/http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/meizu-pro-5-ubuntu-edition-buy|url-status=live}} During this time period, BQ was also working on the first 'Convergent' Ubuntu Phone and the planned launch date was initially 2015 then pushed back to 2016.

In 2018, Purism and the UBports Foundation began collaborating on making Ubuntu Touch available for the Librem 5.{{Cite web|date=24 April 2018|title=Purism and UBports officially collaborate to offer Ubuntu Touch on Librem 5|url=https://puri.sm/posts/ubports-ubuntu-touch-on-librem5-collaboration/|access-date=15 November 2019|website=Purism|archive-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810142157/https://puri.sm/posts/ubports-ubuntu-touch-on-librem5-collaboration/|url-status=live}} The PinePhone from Pine64 was made available for preorder on 15 November 2019 with support for Ubuntu Touch along with many other FOSS mobile operating systems.{{Cite web|last=Erecinski|first=Lukasz|date=5 November 2019|title=November Update: Brave Heart, Pinebook Pro reception and more|url=https://www.pine64.org/2019/11/05/brave-heart-edition-pinephones/|access-date=15 November 2019|website=Pine64|archive-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115044242/https://www.pine64.org/2019/11/05/brave-heart-edition-pinephones/|url-status=live}} With the release of OTA-15{{Cite web |date=18 December 2020 |title=UBports Announces Ubuntu Touch OTA-15 With F(x)tec Phone Support |url=https://fossbytes.com/ubports-announces-ubuntu-touch-ota-15-with-fxtec-phone-support/ |access-date=30 December 2020 |website=FossBytes |archive-date=25 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225192515/https://fossbytes.com/ubports-announces-ubuntu-touch-ota-15-with-fxtec-phone-support/ |url-status=live }} in December 2020, Ubuntu Touch began supporting the FX Technology Ltd. F(x)tec Pro¹ (2019){{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} and Pro¹ X (2022){{Cite web |url=https://store.fxtec.com/product/fxtec-pro¹-x-256-8gb/ |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210718005416/https://store.fxtec.com/product/fxtec-pro%C2%B9-x-256-8gb/ |url-status=live |title=F(x)tec PRO¹ X 256/8GB |website=F(x)tec |access-date=18 July 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/xda_partners_with_fxtec_to_make_a_phone_that_runs_lineageos_and_ubuntu_touch_os-news-45995.php|title=XDA partners with F(x)tec to make a phone that runs LineageOS and Ubuntu Touch OS|website=GSMArena.com|access-date=18 July 2021|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718011431/https://www.gsmarena.com/xda_partners_with_fxtec_to_make_a_phone_that_runs_lineageos_and_ubuntu_touch_os-news-45995.php|url-status=live}} phones.{{Cite web|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/pro1-x/|title=The Pro1-X is XDA's first phone, and it runs on LineageOS or Ubuntu|date=October 27, 2020|access-date=18 July 2021|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718011433/https://www.xda-developers.com/pro1-x/|url-status=live}} The Volla Phone from Hallo Welt Systeme UG launched with official support for Ubuntu Touch in December 2020 as well (identical with Siemens GigaSet GX290).{{Cite web|date=25 December 2020|title=Smartphone with Linux: Volla Phone with Ubuntu Touch or Volla OS costs 359 euros|url=https://www.de24.news/en/2020/12/smartphone-with-linux-volla-phone-with-ubuntu-touch-or-volla-os-costs-359-euros.html|access-date=30 December 2020|website=DE24 News|archive-date=19 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319052035/https://www.de24.news/en/2020/12/smartphone-with-linux-volla-phone-with-ubuntu-touch-or-volla-os-costs-359-euros.html|url-status=dead}}

Ubuntu Touch also supports Pine64 devices, such as the PinePhone, Pinephone Pro, and PineTab/PineTab 2 devices.{{Cite web |title=PinePhone • Ubuntu Touch • Linux Phone |url=https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinephone |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=devices.ubuntu-touch.io |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208180250/https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinephone/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=PineTab • Ubuntu Touch • Linux Phone |url=https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinetab |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=devices.ubuntu-touch.io |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929075945/https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinetab/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=PineTab2 • Ubuntu Touch • Linux Phone |url=https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinetab2 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=devices.ubuntu-touch.io |language=en |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211100644/https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinetab2/ |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|Free and open-source software|Linux}}

• Comparison of mobile operating systems
• Ubiquitous computing
• {{cl|Ubuntu Touch devices|Ubuntu Touch devices}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Ubuntu Touch}}

• {{Official website|https://ubuntu-touch.io}} on UBports
• [https://ubports.com/ UBports website]
• {{DistroWatch|UBports|NAME=UBports}}
• {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523171347/http://www.ubuntu.com/phone|date=2013-05-23|title= Old official website at Canonical}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070702145847/https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MobileAndEmbedded (deprecated) Ubuntu MobileAndEmbedded wiki]

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